These included basketball legends Al Solis, Junthy Valenzuela, Danny Aying, Reed Juntilla, Butchoy Alforque, Jimwell Torion, Loede Garcia, Armand Colina, Gerald Ylaya, Teroy Albarillo, Bong Abad, and Bonel Balingit.
Others who expressed their support were chess player Edgar Martel, pool player Michael Cabriana and volleyball player Reigo Bartzon.
“We, sports advocates and athletes of the province of Cebu, have come together, but this time, much broader, with supporters from other sports disciplines, to once again reaffirm our support to the candidacy of … Ace Durano in the May 2022 elections,” said Solis.
Solis further said they believe that Durano is competent as he had been a congressman in the fifth district and a highly regarded tourism secretary.
“With his Jesuit background, we commend his very respectful, professional demeanor and conduct and his very amiable ways which are qualities that ensure a participative leadership,” he said.
Solis said they are convinced that Durano will be able to provide the necessary leadership that will lead the recovery program amid the Covid-19 pandemic, citing the latter’s program called Cebu Priority Development Agenda.
With this, they called on the Cebuanos to vote for the gubernatorial candidate, stressing that a new leadership in the province means a better Cebu and a better Philippines.
Eric Tuadles, brother of former Philippine Basketball Association cagers Arnier and Calvin Tuadles, said many individuals, particularly the youth, have warmly embraced Durano’s sports programs that included basketball clinics.
“Why Ace? Because he is the one who can return the sports program to Cebu Province,” he said.
Garcia said he did not hesitate to support Durano since he is also passionate about sports, particularly basketball.
Armand Colina, for his part, said the former tourism secretary’s program is free, which is why they support the tandem.